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NFL betting: Week 3 injury report

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Every week, we'll be covering the NFL's most significant injuries and how they're affecting numbers in the betting market. Here's the outlook for Week 3.

Cam Newton, QB Panthers (foot)

Status: Out

Newton is out Sunday after he aggravated his foot in Week 2 against the Buccaneers. The injury opens the door for Kyle Allen to take the reins of the offense against the Cardinals.

Carolina was originally three-point chalk at the open prior to the Newton news. After the game was taken off the board for a short time due to Newton missing practice because of the ailment, Arizona is now a two-point favorite. Despite the quarterback change, the total hasn't budged all that much. It's hit as low as 43, topped out at 46.5, and is currently sitting 44.5.

It's yet another spot this season to adjust for quarterback value. Allen is one of a handful of backups being thrust into a starting role this early in the year. Newton's still an above-average quarterback in the league, though his numbers out of the gate have been underwhelming. Per Next Gen Stats, Newton has a 71 overall passing rating (fifth-worst among starting quarterbacks with two games under their belt), 56.2% completion clip, and zero touchdowns through the air so far in 2019.

Sunday isn't too shabby a matchup for Allen, as he faces a Cardinals defense that's allowed 657 passing yards and four scores without an interception through two weeks.

Trevor Siemian, QB Jets (ankle)

Status: Out

Things have gone south quickly for the Jets. After blowing a 16-0 lead to the Bills in the opener, starting quarterback Sam Darnold was lost for an extended period of time due to mononucleosis. His backup, Siemian, got the start for Monday Night Football in Week 2, only to suffer a season-ending ankle injury during the second quarter. Washington State product Luke Falk is the next man up, and his first career start comes against none other than the Patriots, who've outscored opponents 76-3 this season.

New England's currently a 22-point favorite - larger than last weekend against the lowly Dolphins - with a total of 43.5. The numbers imply the Jets' team total will hover in the 10/10.5 range. Falk was fine in relief against the Browns, posting 189 yards on 20-for-25 passing. The game plan was relatively conservative, considering he averaged 3.9 completed air yards, 5.3 intended air yards, and finished with just a 16% aggressiveness rate, per Next Gen Stats.

Head coach Adam Gase's approach has been spotty so far. For someone who was brought in to shape the offense, all three quarterbacks who've taken snaps this season have been risk-averse. With a third-stringer under center against the reigning champs, don't be surprised if New York just tries to get out of Foxborough without any more injuries.

Ben Roethlisberger, QB Steelers (elbow)

Status: Out

It's now the Mason Rudolph show in Pittsburgh after Roethlisberger suffered a season-ending elbow injury against Seattle last Sunday. The Steelers are currently +6.5 at San Francisco after being tabbed as one-point favorites on the look-ahead lines. We ask again: With all the spread adjustments needed for backup quarterbacks, is Roethlisberger worth 7.5 points? It seems unlikely.

DeSean Jackson, WR Eagles (abdominal)

Status: Out

The Eagles' receiving corps limped out of Atlanta on Sunday night. Jackson will reportedly be out for a couple of weeks with an abdominal strain, while fellow wide receiver Alshon Jeffery and tight end Dallas Goedert are doubtful, leaving quarterback Carson Wentz's supporting cast thin for Week 3 against the Lions. Philadelphia was originally an eight-point favorite with a total of 49.5, but both numbers have come down to -6 and 45.5, respectively.

Matt Bosher, P Falcons (groin)

Status: Questionable

Punters are people, too, and there's a significant situation brewing for the Falcons. Bosher aggravated his groin against the Eagles in Week 2 and was shown in considerable pain. Fortunately, he only punted three times, but his longest was just 42 yards. Atlanta has punter Matt Wile on the practice squad but would need to promote him to the active roster by Saturday. The Falcons hit as high as +3 earlier in the week for Sunday's game against Indianapolis and are currently +1.

Alex Kolodziej is a betting writer for theScore. He's a graduate of Eastern Illinois who has been involved in the sports betting industry for 12 years. He can quote every line from "Rounders" and appreciates franchises that regularly wear alternate jerseys. Find him on Twitter @AlexKoIodziej.

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